Hospital | |
Laparoscopy(Surgery with Keyhole Incisions)
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA Click here to view an animated version of this procedure. DefinitionLaparoscopy is surgery that is done through small incisions in the belly. Small tools and a scope with a tiny camera are passed through the incisions. This allows the doctor to see inside. Laparoscopy shortens recovery time and leaves smaller scars than open surgery.
Reasons for ProcedureLaparoscopy can be used to:
Possible ComplicationsProblems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:
Things that may raise the risk of problems are: What to ExpectPrior to ProcedureThe surgical team may meet with you to talk about:
AnesthesiaGeneral anesthesia will be used. You will be asleep. Description of the ProcedureSmall incisions will be made in the belly. Gas is placed into the belly to make it expand. This makes it easier to see the structures inside. Tools are passed through the small incisions. The procedure will be done. The tools will be removed. The incisions will be closed with stitches, tape, or staples. Bandages will be put on the incisions. How Long Will It Take?How long it takes depends on the procedure Will It Hurt?Pain and swelling are common in the first few days. Medicine and home care help Post-procedure CareAt the HospitalRight after the procedure, the staff may give you pain medicine. During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to lower your risk of infection, such as:
There are also steps you can take to lower your risk of infection, such as:
At HomeIt will take about 2 weeks to recover. Physical activity will be limited during this time. Call Your DoctorCall your doctor if you are not getting better or you have:
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away. RESOURCES:American College of Surgeons https://www.facs.org Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons http://www.sages.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Health Canada https://www.canada.ca Women's College Hospital—Women's Health Matters http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca References:Brown R, Byrne D, et al. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline NG73. Endometriosis: diagnosis and management. National Guideline Alliance (UK). NICE 2017 Sep. Diagnostic laparoscopy patient information from SAGES.
Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons website. Available at:
https://www.sages.org/publications/patient-information/patient-information-for-diagnostic-laparoscopy-from-sages.
Accessed December 15, 2020. Endometriosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/endometriosis. Accessed December 15, 2020. Laparoscopy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at:
https://www.acog.org/en/Womens%20Health/FAQs/Laparoscopy. Accessed December 15, 2020. Last reviewed December 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Marcin Chwistek, MD Last Updated: 4/21/2021 | |